Crazy Cal wanted to go for a ride after work, which was good for me because I had the same idea.
Before I met Cal, I rode around town a little bit and found everything in good condition.
Here’s what I saw on the S85/Ski Hut trail. Not shabby at all:
On to Newcomb
We embarked on S84 out of town toward Blue Mountain Lake. Except for the rare carbide clank on a rock top, it was as good ride all the way out to the Newcomb trail. There were a couple of wet spots along the way.
538/Newcomb trail was a nice run most of the way through with the 3 inches of new snow on top. The only meaningful bumps were going over Joseph Mountain.
Newcomb House?
We saw this interesting sign in which the word FOOD on the NO GAS or FOOD sign was covered over with duct tape:
That got us to suspect that the Newcomb House may have reopened. So we turned right at the Newcomb T and headed on over. Aside from a few steep terrain divots, it was a fun ride and we were first tracks on 3 inches of snow all the way over. 🙂
Indeed the Newcomb House was open and we stopped in for dinner.
I got the cheeseburger and Michigan hot dog, which was pretty good. 🙂
It turns out the owner still has the place for sale, but decided to re-open of the winter. I didn’t remember to ask for their hours. But suffice to say there is now a food stop in Newcomb again. But there is still no gas there.
Keep in mind that the Newcomb House is back with a limited menu. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, pizza, cheese steak and the like.
Back to home base
We headed back to Indian Lake and did the customary victory lap around the town loop before refueling the sleds at Stewarts for the next ride.
I rolled back to the compound just before 10pm with 70 miles clicked off for the evening.
The temperature around 30*F felt like ABSOLUTE HEAVEN after the brutal cold we’ve had over the past week.
It was a great stroll with a friend I’ve known since kindergarten. Fun times for sure. 🙂
Outlook
The wicked cold temperatures last weekend did two things really well.
- Hold the trails together
- Keep snowmobile traffic low
Indeed, you would not normally expect to find such good riding like we had on a Monday, right after the weekend.
With the lack of significant rain until at least Thursday night, I think the trails will hold up pretty well through Thursday in ilsnow land.
The best conditions will be Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures mainly below freezing. Drop a dime on a sick day if you got one. 😉
After Thursday, we’ll have to see how much Thursday night and Friday takes away, and how much Friday night and Saturday gives back. We could save par for the Holiday Weekend. Keep your fingers crossed…
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Prospect Point Cottages on Blue Mountain Lake. If you are looking for a quiet and scenic winter getaway, this place is for you with fireplaces, free hot brunch and snowshoes provided. The wintry view of Blue Mountain from across the lake is nothing short of amazing with a fresh mantle of snow!
